What is Magneto Ignition System?
Magneto ignition system is an ignition system in which magnets are used to produce high voltage for the generation of electricity. Further, that electricity is used in several applications like running a vehicle. it is generally used in two-wheeler vehicles (Spark Ignition Engine) nowadays.
Parts of Magneto Ignition System
The main parts of Magneto Ignition System are:
- Transformer core
- Contact Breaker
- Cam
- Capacitor
- Ignition Switch
- Distributor
- Spark Plug

Transformer core
There are two types of winding available in a Magneto Ignition System, those are:
- Primary Winding: The main function of this winding is to draw power from the source.
- Secondary Winding: This winding has more number of turns of wire (approximately 1000) as compared to the primary winding. This is connected to the Distributor consisting of a rotor.
Contact Breaker
The contact breaker is regulated by the cam and when the breaker is open, current flows through the capacitor and charges it.
Cam
Cam is connected to the North pole and south pole of magnet.
Capacitor
The main function of the capacitor is to store the charge. The capacitor used here is a simple electric capacitor.
Ignition switch
The work of an ignition switch is to turn the on and off the vehicles. This is set parallel to the capacitor because it helps to avoid damage due to excessive air.
Distributor
The distributor is connected to the spark plug and consists of the rotor.
Spark Plug
The main function of the spark plug is to fire the explosive mixture in the IC engine.
Working Principle of Magneto Ignition System
In the Magneto Ignition System, magnets are used. When the engine of the system starts, it helps the magnets to rotate and produce energy in the form of high voltage. One end of the magnet is grounded through a contact breaker, and the ignition capacitor is connected to its parallel. The contact breaker is regulated by the cam. When the breaker is open, current flows through the capacitor and charges it. Now the capacitor is acting as a charger. The primary current flow is reduced, thus reducing the overall magnetic field, generated in the system. This increases the voltage in the capacitor. This increased high voltage in the capacitor will act as an EMF. This produces the spark, at the right spark plug through the distributor. At the starting stage, the speed of the engine is low and hence the voltage generated by the magnets is low. But as the rotating speed of the engine increases, it also increases the voltage generated by the magnets thus the flow of the current is also increased.
Schematic Diagram of Magneto Ignition System

Circuit Diagram of Magneto Ignition System

Applications of Magneto Ignition System
Magneto Ignition System is widely used for the following applications:
- This system is used for the generation of electricity (In the case of a Battery system their Battery is used) and to run the vehicles.
- It is used in two-wheeler vehicles (SI Engine).
- Also used in various places like Tractors, Outboard Motors, Washing Machines, Buses, Power Units, Marine Engines, and Natural Gas Engines.
Advantages of Magneto Ignition System
Following are the advantages of Magneto Ignition System:
- This system requires less maintenance as compared to a Battery ignition system.
- This is more preferable because no battery is required.
- It occupies less space.
- An electric circuit is generated by the magnets.
- No battery is needed, so no problem of battery discharge.
- Efficiency improves due to high-intensity spark.
Disadvantages of Magneto Ignition System
Following are the disadvantages of Magneto Ignition System:
- During starting, the quality of the spark is poor due to low speed.
- It is a little expensive as compared to other ignition systems.
FAQ’s
What is Magneto Ignition System?
How do magneto ignition systems work?
What are the 3 types of ignition systems?
1. Battery Ignition System
2. Magneto Ignition System
3. Electronic Ignition System